Local Rules

For quick rulings / decisions, please click on the link below:
The R&A – Rules and Amateur Status

1. OUT OF BOUNDS – (Rule 27-1)

All ground beyond the line of the inside edge of the out of bounds posts or the club’s boundary fences (excluding angled supports) is out of bounds.

2.  STAKED TREES AND SHRUBS (INCLUDING GUARD/STAKES)

If a staked tree/shrub interferes with a player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and dropped in accordance with Rule 24-2b(i). The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.

3. IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS – (Rule 24-2)

The following items are defined as immovable obstructions:

  • Grates, Sprinkler Heads & Tap Covers. Specimen Local Rule 4 of Appendix 1, Part A, page 146 of the 2016 Rules of Golf also applies for immovable obstructions close to the putting green.
  • All stakes defining Water Hazards(inc Lateral Hazards); GUR areas and stakes (and/or guards) supporting staked trees/shrubs.
  • Wooden steps leading in to bunkers.
  • Artificially surfaced paths and roads

 Notes:

i) Wooden steps are deemed to be outside of the bunker, therefore if the ball lies on the steps relief can be taken outside the bunker.

ii) All other course paths and roads are an integral part of the course.

4. STONES IN BUNKERS

Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions. Rule 24-1 applies.

5. GROUND UNDER REPAIR (Rule 25)

Those areas the margins of which are defined by white stakes, white lines, GUR signage and / or accompanying rope.  Players may take relief in accordance with Rule 25-1.
 In addition:

  • Operating sprinkler:
    Through the green, the area being sprayed by an operating sprinkler is GUR. Relief may be taken as per rule 25-1b.
  • Wheel marks:
    Except in a hazard, wheel marks made by motorised vehicles are GUR. Relief may be taken as per rule 25-1b.
  • Garden beds:
    Garden beds adjacent to the 1st, 4th and 10th tees are GUR. Play is prohibited and relief must be taken as per rule 25-1b.
  • Damage to bunkers caused by animals:
    If a player’s ball lies in an area of a bunker damaged by animals such as kangaroos, foxes etc, or the area interferes with the player’s stance or swing, the player may take relief under Rule 25-1b (ii). Players should note that relief must be taken within the bunker.

6. DROPPING ZONES AT THE 2ND, 8TH, 10TH & 14th HOLES

If, during the play of the 2nd, 8th, 10th & 14th holes the ball crosses the margin of the hazard between the green stakes, the player may under the penalty of one stroke, drop the ball in the nearest dropping zone (even though this may be nearer the hole).

7. DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES

For all play at Rosanna Golf Club, a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device  that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 14-3.

8. ACCIDENTAL MOVEMENT OF A BALL ON A PUTTING GREEN

When a player’s ball is at rest on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.  The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced.  Note: If the ball was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location with no penalty.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE

  • Match play – Loss of hole
  • Stroke play – Two strokes
  • For subsequent offence – Disqualification

MARKERS

  • Yellow stakes or lines – Water hazard
  • Red stakes or lines – Lateral water hazard
  • White stakes or lines – Ground under repair
  • White stakes with black tops – Out of bounds
  • Green stakes – Indicate use of dropping zone
  • Blue lines – Markings for ground staff
  • Distance markers can be found on the sprinkler heads and show distance to the centre of the green

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

Please use your mobile phone and take the following steps:

  1. If an ambulance is required – call 000 immediately before you contact anyone else
  2. Call the golf shop or office for assistance on (03) 9431 1033

 

INTERACTIVE RULES QUIZ

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USGA Rules Quiz
R&A Rules Quiz